Coroner’s report to investigate The Caves shooting

WITH police wrapping up their forensic investigation at the site of Tuesday's murder-suicide, they are now working to compile a brief of evidence to present to the coroner.

On Thursday afternoon they cleared the Newells Rd property at The Caves, but still need to have the weapon used in the shooting inspected by ballistics.

Detective Inspector Darrin Shadlow said once they presented their evidence to the coroner it would be up to them to make an official finding and determine whether an inquest into the deaths should be held.

"We can't go into someone's state of mind (in our investigation)," he said.

"We certainly will look into everything in relation to medical history… and everything leading up to and surrounding the incident."

So far it is understood that before the incident 24-year-old Tim McNaughton was doing some recreational shooting with his father Greg McNaughton and Greg's friend Lindsay Hart, both of whom were captains with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Without warning, Tim fatally shot his father before attempting to gun down Mr Hart as he ran through thick bushland on the property. He then turned the gun on himself.

For some time it was believed a gunman was on the loose around The Caves on Tuesday night.

Around 10pm police used an armoured vehicle from the prison to enter the property, where they found the two bodies just metres from each other.

Tim's Facebook page paints a picture of a man who loved his motorbikes, loved his cars and loved his guns - hobbies that many young men take part in.